- Ready-to-mix concrete can be used for projects big and small. Small DIY projects can be done with low-cost bags of dry concrete.
- Professional concrete jobs are more costly and require the use of delivery with a concrete mixing truck. The amount of concrete needed for a project is typically estimated per cubic feet.
- Along with the cost of the concrete, professional jobs have other fees applied, including delivery costs. Clients must pay per truckload with surcharges for certain delivery days and travel times.
Ready-mix concrete pricing and costs depend on the amount and type of concrete you purchase.
Ready-mix concrete is purchased directly from the plant, from a company offering ready-mix concrete trucks, or from ready-mix concrete suppliers. The cheapest method for do-it-yourself jobs at your company is ready-mix concrete bags. Typically you find these in 60 and 90-pound bags for less than $10. For larger ready-mix concrete jobs, check with a ready-mixed concrete association for a ready-mix concrete business. Ready-mix concrete prices from a ready-mix concrete company typically depend on the cubic foot of concrete needed. These prices may run from $50 to $150. When preparing for your budget's concrete pricing and costs, think about the following:
- Ready-mix concrete bags are affordable for small jobs or patch repairs.
- Determine the cubic yards of concrete needed for your job to gain an idea about the cost of ready-mix concrete from concrete trucks.
- Many ready-mix concrete suppliers offer the option of concrete coloring.
Choose ready-mix concrete bags for small, DIY jobs
Ready-mix concrete bags are found at most home improvement and hardware stores. These stores typically offer 60 and 90-pound bags of ready-mix concrete. These bags are ready to use by adding the proper amount of water. If it is determined that you only need a small amount of ready-mix concrete, purchasing concrete bags is cheaper.
Hire a truck from a ready-mix concrete plant for larger jobs
Some jobs are too large for using ready-mix concrete bags. In this case, it is more practical to hire a truck to bring concrete from a ready-mix concrete company. If you are uncertain about the type of company you need to locate, check with the National Ready Mix Concrete Association or with the ready-mix concrete association in your state. These companies charge by the cubic yard for concrete delivery.
Add coloring to your ready-mix concrete for greater eye appeal
Many ready-mix concrete suppliers offer the option of adding coloring to your concrete. There is an additional charge for concrete coloring pigment. The cost depends on the color and the amount of coloring needed.
Concrete pricing costs
When ordering concrete for a project, you need to estimate how much is needed in cubic yards. To find out the total number of cubic yards, multiply the length, width and depth. Then, take the total and divide it by 27. Each cubic yard has a total of 27 feet. On average, you will spend around $95 per cubic yard of concrete, according to the Family Handyman. Each cubic yard is equal to around 2 tons, which comes to approximately $50 per ton for concrete. Very large projects may be subject to a discount from a vendor.
Dry bags of concrete cost only around $5 to $10 per bag, but are only for small projects like a single front step.
The price of concrete may also be adjusted based on the type used for the project. There are high performance and high strength types that have an increased price point, according to the Concrete Network. Extra strength concrete has silica as an additive and costs around $100 per cubic yard. High-performance concrete adds both silica and quartz to the mixture to increase the strength of the mixture. These mixtures will cost between $120 and $140 per cubic yard.
Concrete delivery costs
Concrete delivery costs are dependent on many factors and could end up costing more than the actual concrete. Concrete can only stay in a truck for a set period of time before it needs to be poured. In most cases, ready to pour concrete must be delivered within 90 minutes once it is in the truck. The standard delivery cost for concrete is approximately $60 to $80.
However, the company may charge a short load fee if the truck isn't fully loaded. The average cost for a short load fee is between $10 and $20 per cubic yard. The day of the week you arrange for delivery of the concrete will also be reflected in your final pricing. As an example, most companies charge the most for weekend deliveries of ready to pour concrete. This fee may be an additional $20 to $30 on top of the normal delivery fee. Fuel charges may also be added if the concrete delivery is outside of the company’s standard delivery area.